How to Put a Fence Up in Your Backyard

Backyard fences are simple to erect.

Fences make good neighbors, the saying goes. If you have children or pets, fences provide peace of mind for outdoor play. A backyard fence also provides privacy and adds value to the property. To put up a backyard fence, you'll need to choose the material that both meets your budget and gives you the look you wish. Once you've measured the space and purchased your fence materials, putting it up generally takes a weekend.

Things You'll Need

• Spray paint
• Gloves
• Shovel
• Post-hole diggers
• Mortar
• Masonry sand
• Wheelbarrow
• Hoe
• Garden hose
• Screw gun
• Stainless steel screws

Instructions

1. Measure your backyard and purchase enough fence panels to cover it, along with enough support posts. These posts will be erected about every 6 feet. So, if your backyard measures 30 by 40 feet and each panel is 8 feet wide, you'll need at least 13 fence panels and at least 17 support beams.

2. Spray paint a border along the rectangular line you're installing the backyard fence on. It should be just inside your property line. This will give you a visual reference to begin excavation.

3. Wearing gloves, dig a trench about 6 to 8 inches wide and deep along the spray paint line.

4. Stage your support posts about every 6 feet along the excavated trench. Dig holes at least 24 inches deep and at least 8 inches wide using post-hole diggers.

5. Mix one part mortar with three parts masonry sand in a wheelbarrow. Spray with a garden hose to moisten and mix with a hoe.

6. Insert the support posts into the holes, then pour the mortar mix in around the support post. Allow 24 hours for the mortar to set before erecting the fence panels.

7. Fasten the fence panels to the support posts using a screw gun and stainless steel screws. Remember to leave one section empty to hang a gate. Backfill the trench after all panels are installed.

8. Secure the gate to the gap you designated following the manufacturer's proprietary installation instructions.

References

• "Ultimate Guide to Fences, Arbors & Trellises: Plan, Design, Build "; Creative Homeowner Press; 2008
• "The Fence Bible: How to Plan, Install, and Build Fences and Gates"; Jeff Beneke; 2005